West Central Texas homeowners looking to strengthen their protection from tornadoes and severe storms may have access to financial assistance. A new reimbursement option can help pay for part of the cost of adding a residential safe room or storm shelter.
Here's what to know
Homeowners in 19 counties can apply for the FEMA-funded Residential Individual Safe Room/Storm Shelter Reimbursement Program offered through the Homeland Security Department of the West Central Texas Council of Governments, KTXS reported.
Residents of Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor or Throckmorton counties can benefit from the funding.
Approved applicants can be reimbursed for 50% of eligible project costs, up to $3,000.
The program covers privately owned residential shelters only, which means community safe rooms are not included. Homeowners must also own the property where the shelter is being installed, and the residence cannot be in a FEMA-designated floodplain.
To receive reimbursement, each installation has to satisfy the program's full set of requirements.
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What can be done?
Homeowners in eligible counties who want to install a safe room or storm shelter can begin by verifying that their property meets the program's rules. Applicants can find the necessary materials on the WCTCOG website.
Rising global temperatures are increasing the length and strength of severe weather conditions, so trying to make a home more resilient to storms can protect the family and reduce damage. Installing battery storage is another layer of protection for when extreme weather hits, helping to keep the lights on and vital appliances running if the wider grid goes down.
Where can I learn more?
Texas isn't the only state offering support to homeowners to protect their property from extreme weather.
• In Florida, insured homeowners can get up to $10,000 to harden homes against hurricanes.
• In coastal Maryland, communities lost $83 million in federal funding for disaster mitigation after the Trump administration canceled a national program.
• Across the country, homeowners are making disaster-proofing home upgrades as severe storms intensify.
• On Reddit, homeowners are sharing storm preparation tips covering supplies, backups, and evacuation plans.
• In Florida, one coastal homeowner showed off a hurricane-proof home after back-to-back storms.
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